Goff says Solomons resignation may be catalyst

11:25 AM

Foreign Minister Phil Goff believes the resignation of Solomon Islands Prime Minister Bartholomew Ulufa'alu may break the stalemate in the troubled country.

Solomons Minister of State Alfred Sasako says Mr Ulufa'alu took the step last night.

Mr Sasako says under the new constitution, Mr Ulufa'alu will be caretaker Prime Minister until Parliament meets tomorrow to elect a new PM.

He says the multi-coalition government's cabinet will stay in place but it will not implement any policy decisions until the parliament appoints a new leader.

Mr Goff, who met with Mr Ulufa'alu last week, says he was living under great personal strain with his life under threat.

- IRN